As deadline nears, Bulls getting trade inquiries

Hinrich, Dunleavy most likely to be dealt; Thibodeau focusing on present

January 31, 2014|By Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune reporter

Chicago Bulls small forward Mike Dunleavy (34) reacts after a foul call against the Washington Wizards during the first half at United Center. (Mike Dinovo / USA Today Sports)

NEW ORLEANS — Less than three weeks from the NBA's Feb. 20 trade deadline, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau knows executives John Paxson and Gar Forman are receiving calls.

"The way that works is, when something gets close, they will come to me," Thibodeau said. "But every conversation they're having I don't know about, nor do I want to know about. It's important for me to focus on the guys we do have."

Veterans Kirk Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy are considered the most likely to go.

Hinrich looked sharp Wednesday in San Antonio after a four-game absence for a hamstring injury. Dunleavy is averaging 11.2 points in 28.9 minutes and shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.

"We'll get calls because we have good players," Thibodeau said. "They have to take those calls and weigh whether something makes sense. If they think it does, they'll get my opinion on it. That's all I can ask for."

Meanwhile, the Bulls have allowed the 10-day contracts of Mike James and Cartier Martin to lapse. Per league rules, the Bulls can carry 12 players for up to 14 days, which would represent minor savings.

Thibodeau spoke highly of both, saying of Martin: "There's a possibility of bringing him back, based on need. He has a readiness to play. He's smart. Great team spirit. All the things we value."

One for all: Thibodeau told his players they all had a role in Joakim Noah's selection to the All-Star Game.

"Jo's success is our success," Thibodeau said. "The team is being recognized for the way they play. That's the beauty of our group.

"All the things that Jo excels at make his team better, and that's why he deserves it so much. He started off the season slowly because of the (groin) injury in training camp and has been on a tear. This is his best stretch of basketball."

Asked about Noah's ceiling as a player, Thibodeau replied: "He's driven and he's very intelligent. Those types of players always improve. They add. This year he has gotten much better offensively. The biggest improvement has been the quick decision-making.

"I want him to keep striving to get better. Who knows where the ceiling is?"

Sightseeing: The Bulls practiced Friday at Devlin Fieldhouse, an 81-year-old, 3,600-seat gym at Tulane University that's about a 20-minute drive from their New Orleans hotel.

A few fans gathered at the glass doors to watch Derrick Rose launch 3-pointers at the start of practice.

"He can shoot and he is doing some jogging on the treadmill," Thibodeau said. "He is coming along, but there's nothing close to practicing. We're going step by step. We just want to make sure he is completely healthy. That's all we are thinking about."